Goal: Protect the inventory, the infrastructure, and our bottom line before the storm hits.
đ Phase 1: The Weekly "Blue Sky" Walk (Maintenance)
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[ ] Clear the Grates: Remove leaves, trash, and silt from all lot drains. Standing water = rusted rotors and "lot rot."
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[ ] Gutter Check: Ensure showroom and service bay gutters aren't overflowing. We want water directed away from the foundation and the front line.
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[ ] Tree Patrol: Identify any "leaners" or dead branches overhanging high-margin units. Report to management for immediate trimming.
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[ ] Sump Pump Test: If the showroom or service department has a basement/pit, test the pump. Don't wait for a flood to find out itâs seized.
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đ©Â Phase 2: The "Cell is Coming" Drill (Under 30 Mins)
Activated when a Severe Weather/Hail Warning is issued.
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[ ] High-Margin Move: Prioritize "Clean Title" late models and high-end units. Move them under the service canopy or into available shop bays.
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[ ] Tighten the Line: Ensure all windows are rolled up tight and sunroofs are fully closed on every unitâdouble-check the trade-in row.
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[ ] Secure the Debris: Move sandwich boards, trash cans, and loose "Sale" flags inside. These become projectiles in 50mph winds.
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[ ] Key Control: Ensure the key box is secure and backup power/laptops are plugged into surge protectors.
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đ Phase 3: The Managerâs Risk Audit
Done once per season.
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[ ] Insurance Check: Verify our "Garagekeepers" policy covers hail and flood. (Standard policies often don't!)
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[ ] The "Paper Trail": Are titles and customer contracts stored off the floor in waterproof cabinets or backed up to the cloud?
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[ ] Employee Contact List: Is the staff "Phone Tree" updated? Who is on-call for after-hours emergency lot moves?
